🍒 What to Know as SNAP Work Requirements Take Effect (AARP Article)

[Fall2025VA]

FROM THE ARTICLE.

People ages 55 to 64 now must prove they are working to receive food aid.

By Molly Snow, AARP. Published November 03, 2025.

Key takeaways!

[*] Work requirements apply to more older adults, vulnerable groups.

[*] Exemptions for certain circumstances, like disability.

[*] Fewer areas to get waivers approved for high unemployment.

[*] States rush to inform beneficiaries.

Contact your benefits specialist or SNAP office for information on how you’re affectedStricter work requirements for low-income adults who depend on federal food aid took effect Nov. 1, leaving older beneficiaries to scramble for an exemption or seek employment to retain their benefits. ​

​People ages 55 to 64 must meet these standards for the first time, unless they are able to get an exemption, such as for a mental or physical disability. Volunteerism or training also count toward the 80-hour-per-month requirement.

USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE.

https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/snap-work-requirements-what-to-know/

[MuktaS390247 · Accepted solution]

Yeah, this change hits hard for people trying to get by before retirement. Not everyone at 60 can just pick up new work easily. Definitely worth checking if you qualify for an exemption or can count community service instead.

[Fall2025VA]

[Tuesday 11/4/25]

@MuktaS390247 , I think there is a list of EXEMPTIONS. I seem to remember "reading" it somewhere in my Google News Feed.

Didnot "click" to READ.

My concern here in my city in Virginia, we have ALOT of "young" families who worked for the Federal Government.

ALOT are having to go to Food Pantries that they use to DONATE to.

With the CONTINUATION of the Government Shutdown = food pantries are struggling to keep items on their shelves.

We "use to" have COMMUNITY that looked after the unfortunate.

An AWESOME Rescue Mission that "housed" our HOMELESS while they got back on their feet.

Again, our FEDERAL WORKERS supported this!!!

Anyway, I feel (NOT that they care/lol), LAID OFF workers should get SNAP (food stamps) along with their UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

[GailL1]

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@Fall2025VA wrote:

[Tuesday 11/4/25]

. . . . .  I feel (NOT that they care/lol), LAID OFF workers should get SNAP (food stamps) along with their UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

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For a laid off government worker - wouldn’t their Union have some responsibility to help them during this time of need?  IF, it was for their benefit, like a strike, the Union would step up and replace part of their salary - wouldn’t they?  

The only way to stop this shut down method used by our government for NOT passing a timely budget is to pass a Constitutional Amendment forcing them to do their job as our Constitution calls and then adding in some punishment or penalty to MAKE them do their job. Like Do It or lose your job.  

By doing this, they could never again resort to this sort of maneuver of closing down the government - that option would be off the table.  

[Fall2025VA]

[Monday 11/3/25]

Wow I DIDNOT know they had changed this. 😱

For years "laid off" employees use to be able to get SNAP (food stamps).